Week 7 saw Minnesota head west for the first time in the expanded Big Ten. The Gophers were matched up with the UCLA Bruins at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. UCLA had this game circled, as it was a chance for them to get back on track after four straight losses to ranked opponents. With this Minnesota was looking to avoid the “upset win” hangover, as well as the curse of traveling two time zones away.
Through the first half the Gophers were sluggish and getting outplayed by the Bruins. Then to open the second half, they were able to force two short fields and plunge two touchdowns in to finally take the lead. About halfway through the 4th, Garbers was able to hit his top receiving option, J. Michael Sturdivant, for a long touchdown to retake the lead. This opened the door for the offense to put together another game-winning drive in the final seconds.
This victory put the Golden Gophers at 4-3 on the season, needing just two more wins to be bowl-eligible. They will get a much-needed bye week in week 8. Minnesota has numerous injuries on the defensive side that will get extra time to heal. Their next matchup will be a Homecoming game against the Maryland Terrapins in week 9.
Helmet Sticker Performances
For those of you who do not know what a Helmet Sticker is; it is the tradition of giving small decals to put on their helmet the week after a game for good individual plays or performances. Ohio State is most known for this practice, as their blank gray helmets are filled out continuously over the course of a season. Although Minnesota does not actually give out decals for good performances, I will just use it as a way to point out positive performances that happened during the course of a game.
- Defense
- The Gopher pass D had previously held numerous QBs in check, including season-low yardages for Miller Moss. Therefore going into the game it was expected for the secondary to shine again against Ethan Garbers. This was not the case, as he was able to put up season-high yardages and hit on some big-time throws when needed. As the game went on, Minnesota was able to dial up more and more pressure. This led to tipped passes and dangerous throws that resulted in interceptions. The first turnover came from a tipped pass by Deven Eastern that fell right into the lap of Cody Lindenberg. Along with this turnover, both of these defenders played arguably their best games of the season as well. Three other D-Lineman played a huge role in shutting down the run and forcing pressure, those being; Jah Joyner, Danny Striggow, and Anthony Smith. As for the secondary, they did not necessarily play badly. Ethan Garbers was able to hit tough throw after tough throw for small chunks. Eventually he was able to connect on a long TD in the 4th, which was the only explosive play given up. For his two interceptions, including a 2nd game-sealing INT, Koi Perich will be the lone recipient of a sticker for the backend. All in all, Corey Hetherman’s unit kept UCLA right around their average points per contest, which is all that was needed in order to secure the victory.
- Offense
- The Minnesota offense was stifled by a UCLA defense that was playing like this was a “must-win” game for them, as it nearly was. The Gophers were held scoreless through the first half, even against one of the poorer defenses they have come across in conference play. Eventually, things began to click in the second half, thanks to a couple of short fields. Minnesota was able to plunge a couple of 3rd quarter TDs from Darius Taylor II and Elijah Spencer. One connection that was working through these drives, and even throughout the game, was Max Brosmer and Daniel Jackson. Jackson was able to make tough catch after tough catch, and had a season-high 10 receptions on the day. His chemistry and trust from Brosmer have grown week by week and is becoming the most reliable option for yards in this offense. As for Max Brosmer, his stats were nothing spectacular. Although he was able to stay patient into the second half, eventually leading multiple scoring drives. No scoring drive was more important than his second-straight game-winning drive. Hitting on multiple huge third-down throws. On the final third down, he was able to find his 5th option, Darius Taylor II, on the flat to seal the game.
- Special Teams
- Minnesota’s special teams were not a huge factor in this victory, besides Dragan Kesich continuing his 2024 woes and missing his only opportunity. Hopefully, a bye week can hit a full-system reset on the former BIG10 Kicker of the Year. The only sticker that is going to be given out for special teams is to punter Mark Crawford. He has a fairly average day with 6 punts for around 44 yards average. Although it was his late-4th quarter punt to the 3-yard line that really helped the Gophers find a way to win this game. Fleck put a lot of trust that they could pin them deep and force a 3 and out, and that paid off with a big-time kick from Crawford.
- Honorable Mention
- Much like how P.J. gave out a special game ball to all of the traveling Minnesota Golden Gopher Football Fans, I will be following and awarding a helmet sticker to each as well. A big portion of the Rose Bowl was donning maroon and gold and eager support was huge for a team trying to turn momentum and comeback in the second half.
This win was huge for the opportunity to become bowl-eligible eventually, needing just two more wins to accomplish that. It also proves that there is no such thing as an easy week in the BIG10, especially with the newcomers coming in trying to make a statement.
Season Leaderboard
- Ethan Robinson (5)
- Koi Perich, Jah Joyner, Max Brosmer (4)
- Justin Walley, Anthony Smith, Daniel Jackson, Mark Crawford (3)
- Kerry Brown, Jack Henderson, Aiden Gousby, Darius Taylor II, Aireontae Ersery, Deven Eastern, Cody Lindenberg (All with 2)
- Za’Quan Bryan, Marcus Major, Elijah Spencer, Jalen Logan-Redding, Jameson Geers, Dragan Kesich, Devon Williams, Tyler Cooper, Greg Johnson, Ashton Beers, Quinn Carroll, Danny Striggow (All with 1)
